A 35 year-old woman consulted Dr. Merchant, two years after being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa; and being told she would be blind in five years. She had difficulty with daytime driving and seeing in a dimly lit room; and her contrast sensitivity test, which is a sensitive test for functional vision, was abnormal. Her laboratory testing was positive for psittacosis and H-pylori. As she was treated for the pathogens, her vision began to improve; after two months of treatment, her contrast sensitivity was in the normal range; and with extended treatment she was able to return to driving, and driving at night. Four years later, her vision has remained stable.
This patient’s case demonstrates the benefit of diagnosing immortal pathogens, in patients with chronic diseases, which can reveal new treatment options and give hope to patients.
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